Brain Facts You Don’t Know

Let’s break this down👇

(Brain health facts you may not know!)

1️⃣ 60% of the human brain is fat

Ever think about what happens to fats from your diet once you eat them? They become building blocks for things like cellular membranes, nerve cells, and brain matter! That means eating healthy fats is one of the best things you can do for your brain.

2️⃣Sleep removes toxins from the brain.

The brain actually has a self-cleansing mechanism that creates waves of fluid to clear metabolic waste. These waves are most active during sleep, so you can think of sleep as a form of detox for the brain.

3️⃣Gut microbes signal the brain and affect behavior.

The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication network between the gut and the brain that is largely influenced by the gut microbiome. Studies have even linked specific probiotics to stress and mood.

Is any of this making you think about the brain in a little different way?

Truth is that brain health is about so much more than memory. Brain health depends on our everyday habits and influences our overall health.

Want to learn more about how to optimize and boost your brain?

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REFERENCES:

Chang CY, Ke DS, Chen JY. Essential fatty acids and human brain. Acta Neurol Taiwan. 2009;18(4):231-241. [link]

Berding K, Vlckova K, Marx W, et al. Diet and the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Sowing the Seeds of Good Mental Health. Adv Nutr. 2021;12(4):1239-1285. [link]

Jiang-Xie LF, Drieu A, Bhasiin K, Quintero D, Smirnov I, Kipnis J. Neuronal dynamics direct cerebrospinal fluid perfusion and brain clearance. Nature. 2024;627(8002):157-164. [link]

Fermented Foods Aren’t for Everyone (Here’s Why)

This could be why👇

Just because fermented foods and probiotics are promoted far and wide for gut health does not mean they are for everyone!

➡️ Some people already have an overgrowth of beneficial bacteria.

➡️ Some people have inflammation, sensitivities, and compromised digestion. 

➡️ Some people need to do some healing before being able to handle these foods. . 

What’s best for you depends upon the composition of your unique microbiome at this moment. 

That’s why, if you’re struggling with gut health, it’s so important to work with a qualified practitioner on a personalized plan. 

Does any of this surprise you? 

Let me know in the comments ⤵️

Microbiome Diversity: Top Tips!

📍Save this post!

You’ll want to come back to it whenever your microbiome needs a reset—especially when you want to rebuild microbial diversity.

My top tips:

1️⃣ Consume probiotic-rich foods or drinks, like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut.

2️⃣ Increase prebiotic-rich foods, like artichokes, asparagus, onions, and bananas.

3️⃣ Focus on diversity in your diet, emphasizing colorful whole foods rather than processed ones.

4️⃣ Stay hydrated with water and tea, keeping alcohol to a minimum.

5️⃣ Exercise at least 30 minutes a day at least 3 days a week.

6️⃣ Follow a regular sleep schedule for a healthy circadian rhythm.

And remember: You are unique!

If you feel like you are doing everything “right” but still struggle with gut health, I can help.

🌱 Get started at our practice through the link in our bio!

Can the Microbiome Affect Metabolism?

🤔Ever thought of this?

Here’s how your gut microbiome affects metabolism (and why to fix it!):

1️⃣ Glucose Metabolism

An altered gut microbiome can increase the amount of insulin released in response to blood glucose, a pattern associated with insulin resistance.

2️⃣ Ghrelin Production

An altered gut microbiome can increase the secretion of ghrelin, a hormone that signals the brain it is hungry.

3️⃣ Calorie Uptake

The composition of microbiota associated with obesity increases the absorption of calories from ingested foods.

What does this mean?

It means that there is more to metabolic health and weight loss than just counting calories and exercising 🤯

We get better results because we look at correcting the metabolism from a whole-person perspective, including gut health and the microbiome.

Curious to learn more?

🔗 Follow the link in our bio to get started!

Reference

Asadi A, Shadab Mehr N, Mohamadi MH, et al. Obesity and gut-microbiota-brain axis: A narrative review. J Clin Lab Anal. 2022;36(5):e24420. [link]

Who Cares About the Microbiome? (YOU Should!)

When it comes to the microbiome, the stakes are high 😬

We don’t see it, we can’t feel it, and yet it has power over nearly every aspect of our health.

Those trillions of microorganisms on and in us influence digestion, detoxification, immune function, brain health, and more.

Evidence-based research (PMID: 34584224) shows that changes in the gut microbiome have been associated with all of these conditions:

▪️ Rheumatoid Arthritis

▪️ Type 1 Diabetes

▪️ Type 2 Diabetes

▪️ Eczema

▪️ Asthma

▪️ IBD

▪️ IBS

▪️ Fatty Liver

▪️ Cardiovascular Disease

▪️ Chronic Kidney Disease

▪️ Mental Health Disorders

The microbiome is not the only contributing factor to these conditions, but it is one that is often overlooked.

And it is one that we always consider from a functional perspective.

Because in functional medicine, we do more than treat a diagnosis. We look for underlying causes and optimize the structure and function of all body systems.

If you want a holistic and root-cause approach...

🥾 Take the first step through the link in our bio.

Reference

Vijay A, Valdes AM. Role of the gut microbiome in chronic diseases: a narrative review. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2022;76(4):489-501. [link]